Stage Three Report: The Grand Finale on the Edge of the World
The third and final stage of the Highland Ultra brought runners back into the heart of the Knoydart Peninsula for a closing chapter as tough and spectacular as the two that came before it. Named after the rugged Munro Luinne Bheinn, this stage delivered everything the name promised: rocky climbs, raw beauty, and one final push into the wild.
The stage began with a return along the stunning coastal trail, giving runners a few forgiving kilometres to shake out heavy legs. Then the real work began: steep climbs from sea level, onto rough terrain. Harsh weather forced a drop onto a route similar to day one, and for many, this was a welcome reprieve.
The descent into Inverie was every bit as unforgettable as promised. With the sea loch in view for much of the final kilometres, runners found a second wind, spurred on by the finish line, cheers from fellow competitors, and the thought of warm food and cold drinks waiting for them at the most remote pub in Britain.
Overall Podium Finishers – Highland Ultra 2025
In the men’s race Benjamin Harrison was untouchable across all three stages, finishing the final day in just 3:05:00, and securing a dominant overall win with a combined time of 16:47:00. A consistent and controlled effort, Harrison showed not just speed, but endurance and race intelligence from start to finish. Ben adds a second BTU win to his rap sheet afer a Jungle Ultra victory last year.
In the women’s race, Ioana Barbu was in a league of her own. She closed out the race with a strong 3:38:00 effort on Stage Three, clinching the women’s title and an impressive 5th place overall in 18:33:00. Ioana continues her run of excellent form and takes a second consecutive BTU win after dominating the Ice Ultra in February.
Kristian Valentin took second place overall and in the Men’s race with a total time of 17:23:00, showcasing a measured and steady approach that paid off. His close battle with third-place Thomas Abbott (17:34:00 overall) added a compelling layer of competition across the three days.
Lily Canter, impressed with her steady, resilient effort over all three stages, finishing in 23:31:00, and Katrina Wright delivered a strong third-place finish, smiling through even the toughest terrain, finishing in 24:23:00.
Special Mentions from Across the Course
- Craig Spence delivered one of the most consistent performances of the race, finishing all three stages with smooth pacing and exceptional grit in his first ultramarathon to place 9th overall in 20:23:00.
- Colleen Ihnken, though slowed by a long day three, showed remarkable resilience after a tough second stage bringing heart and fight to every step of her journey.
- Kevin Walton earned quiet admiration from many in the field for his perseverance and good spirit, finishing all three stages in 27:14:00. Kev is currently in the middle of a Global Race Series campaign and adds a fourth BTU race to his ticklist.
- Robin Cihlar and Nigel Douglas, both well into the second half of the field, embodied the true Highland Ultra spirit overcoming fatigue, navigating solo sections, and supporting others along the way.
- Shubham Kumar battled hard through the final stage, pushing through fatigue and a strained tendon to cross the line with one of the longest day-three efforts at 8:00:00 a testament to tenacity and willpower.
And finally, a heartfelt shout-out to all those who crossed the line, whether at the front, middle, or back of the pack. This course does not give up its medals lightly and every finisher earned theirs the hard way.
🎉 Post-Race Celebrations
Back in Inverie, the finish line transformed into a space of celebration and reflection as the team descended on the Old Forge, Knoydarts’ only pub. Runners gathered for a hot meal, drinks, and the chance to swap stories under the Highland sky.
This wasn’t just the end of a race it was the beginning of memories that will last far longer than the aching legs. Until next time, Highland Ultra.
Full Results:
| Full Name | Race Number | Gender | Stage 1 Time | Stage 2 Time | Stage 3 Time | Overall Time | Gender Postion | Overall Position | Clan | Clan Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Harrison | 6 | Male | 6:39:00 | 7:03:00 | 3:05:00 | 16:47:00 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Kristian Valentin | 29 | Male | 6:45:00 | 7:21:00 | 3:17:00 | 17:23:00 | 2 | 2 | ||
| Thomas Abbott | 63 | Male | 7:02:00 | 7:15:00 | 3:17:00 | 17:34:00 | 3 | 3 | ||
| Carlos Constantino | 70 | Male | 6:43:00 | 7:51:00 | 3:42:00 | 18:16:00 | 4 | 4 | ||
| Ioana Barbu | 22 | Female | 6:56:00 | 7:59:00 | 3:38:00 | 18:33:00 | 1 | 5 | ||
| Freddie Wootton | 18 | Male | 7:06:00 | 7:59:00 | 3:31:00 | 18:36:00 | 5 | 6 | ||
| Jonathan Sinclair-Williams | 25 | Male | 7:25:00 | 8:02:00 | 3:41:00 | 19:08:00 | 6 | 7 | ||
| Bryan Lanigan | 69 | Male | 8:03:00 | 8:38:00 | 3:24:00 | 20:05:00 | 7 | 8 | ||
| Craig Spence | 12 | Male | 7:51:00 | 9:08:00 | 3:24:00 | 20:23:00 | 8 | 9 | ||
| Chris Porter | 8 | Male | 7:46:00 | 8:38:00 | 4:21:00 | 20:45:00 | 9 | 10 | ||
| Tom Clark | 64 | Male | 7:46:00 | 8:38:00 | 4:21:00 | 20:45:00 | 10 | 11 | ||
| Chris Wilkes | 7 | Male | 7:53:00 | 8:38:00 | 4:21:00 | 20:52:00 | 11 | 12 | ||
| David Cavilla | 13 | Male | 8:06:00 | 8:38:00 | 4:21:00 | 21:05:00 | 12 | 13 | ||
| Shaun Charles | 57 | Male | 8:05:00 | 9:57:00 | 3:44:00 | 21:46:00 | 13 | 14 | ||
| Luke Rostron | 33 | Male | 8:06:00 | 10:18:00 | 4:17:00 | 22:41:00 | 14 | 15 | ||
| Zack Brotherton | 67 | Male | 8:34:00 | 9:52:00 | 4:17:00 | 22:43:00 | 15 | 16 | ||
| Richard Weaver | 47 | Male | 8:21:00 | 10:18:00 | 4:17:00 | 22:56:00 | 16 | 17 | ||
| Ryan Gilmour | 53 | Male | 9:32:00 | 9:26:00 | 4:19:00 | 23:17:00 | 17 | 18 | ||
| Lily Canter | 74 | Female | 8:24:00 | 10:30:00 | 4:37:00 | 23:31:00 | 2 | 19 | ||
| Duncan Reading | 14 | Male | 9:37:00 | 9:52:00 | 4:02:00 | 23:31:00 | 18 | 20 | ||
| Sean Owens | 56 | Male | 9:21:00 | 10:10:00 | 4:36:00 | 24:07:00 | 19 | 21 | ||
| Thijs Leroy | 62 | Male | 9:11:00 | 10:23:00 | 4:47:00 | 24:21:00 | 20 | 22 | ||
| Katrina Wright | 27 | Female | 9:26:00 | 10:08:00 | 4:49:00 | 24:23:00 | 3 | 23 | ||
| Olivia Bagshawe | 42 | Male | 8:34:00 | 8:38:00 | 7:19:00 | 24:31:00 | 4 | 24 | ||
| Scott Couper | 55 | Male | 9:37:00 | 10:19:00 | 4:39:00 | 24:35:00 | 21 | 25 | ||
| Rebecca Trout | 45 | Female | 9:03:00 | 10:52:00 | 4:49:00 | 24:44:00 | 5 | 26 | ||
| Elisah Vandekerckhove | 16 | Female | 9:45:00 | 11:18:00 | 5:02:00 | 26:05:00 | 6 | 27 | ||
| Ian Lennon | 21 | Male | 9:45:00 | 11:18:00 | 5:02:00 | 26:05:00 | 22 | 28 | ||
| Colleen Ihnken | 11 | Female | 10:31:00 | 9:36:00 | 5:58:00 | 26:05:00 | 7 | 29 | ||
| Becky Barnett | 5 | Female | 9:42:00 | 9:56:00 | 6:53:00 | 26:31:00 | 8 | 30 | ||
| Aoife Ní Mháirtín | 4 | Female | 9:18:00 | 12:11:00 | 5:08:00 | 26:37:00 | 9 | 31 | ||
| Josephine Caneilles | 72 | Female | 9:33:00 | 12:09:00 | 5:07:00 | 26:49:00 | 10 | 32 | ||
| Nigel Douglas | 40 | Male | 9:45:00 | 11:32:00 | 5:36:00 | 26:53:00 | 23 | 33 | ||
| Kevin Walton | 73 | Male | 9:10:00 | 12:16:00 | 5:48:00 | 27:14:00 | 24 | 34 | ||
| Robin Cihlar | 51 | Male | 10:05:00 | 11:57:00 | 5:20:00 | 27:22:00 | 25 | 35 | ||
| Molly Heltzel | 39 | Female | 10:17:00 | 11:32:00 | 5:58:00 | 27:47:00 | 11 | 36 | ||
| Alan Buchan | 1 | Male | 9:35:00 | 12:15:00 | 6:03:00 | 27:53:00 | 26 | 37 | ||
| Alison Gay | 3 | Female | 10:40:00 | 12:34:00 | 5:49:00 | 29:03:00 | 12 | 38 | ||
| Christie Smith | 9 | Female | 10:03:00 | 12:24:00 | 6:53:00 | 29:20:00 | 13 | 39 | ||
| Rachael Hooper | 44 | Female | 9:42:00 | 12:54:00 | 6:53:00 | 29:29:00 | 14 | 40 | ||
| Guy Seymour | 19 | Male | 10:59:00 | 12:48:00 | 5:48:00 | 29:35:00 | 27 | 41 | ||
| Robert Day | 50 | Male | 10:59:00 | 12:48:00 | 5:48:00 | 29:35:00 | 28 | 42 | ||
| Matt Thornton | 35 | Male | 11:10:00 | 12:58:00 | 5:57:00 | 30:05:00 | 29 | 43 | ||
| Shubham Kumar | 58 | Male | 10:21:00 | 11:52:00 | 8:00:00 | 30:13:00 | 30 | 44 | ||
| Peter Rawlings | 43 | Male | 11:10:00 | 12:51:00 | 6:21:00 | 30:22:00 | 31 | 45 | ||
| Sam Pestell | 54 | Male | 10:03:00 | 15:12:00 | 6:31:00 | 31:46:00 | 32 | 46 | ||
| Michael Kenny | 38 | Male | 11:39:00 | 12:56:00 | 7:41:00 | 32:16:00 | 33 | 47 | ||
| Rupert Froud | 52 | Male | 10:13:00 | 15:12:00 | 6:55:00 | 32:20:00 | 34 | 48 | ||
| Urban Osterwalder | 65 | Male | 13:30:00 | 15:37:00 | 6:54:00 | 36:01:00 | 35 | 49 | ||
| Krysten Lawrence | 30 | Female | dnf | dnf | dnf | dnf | 15 | 50 | ||
| Steve Perry | 60 | Male | 8:05:00 | DNF | DNF | DNF | 36 | 51 | ||
| Steve Symss | 61 | Male | 11:37:00 | DNF | DNF | DNF | 37 | 52 | ||
